Sheep and goats

These "small" ruminants have been with Austrian farmers for thousands of years. Their importance for agriculture had been rather minor over the past few decades - cattle were long considered “more productive” in terms of milk and meat production.

In the context of extensive agriculture, however, sheep and goats are becoming more and more important because they help to make better use of existing green spaces. Around 349,000 sheep and 70,700 goats graze in Austria's meadows today. Around 22,800 farms keep the animals, mainly in the Alpine region and as a sideline. (see. http://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/land/produktion-maerkte/tierische-produktion/rinder-schweine-usw/schafe.html)

Sheep products in particular are very popular. First and foremost, of course, wool and furs are to be mentioned, which are further processed into comfortable, warm and natural garments. But milk and meat from animals are also becoming more and more popular. Sheep salami and ham, such as those produced on the Fischergut at Lake Wolfgang, are in great demand far beyond the region. But of course they taste best on site - in the Salzkammergut!